10 Best Hotels in Miami, According to Travel Pros

Located at the north end of South Beach, this five-star hotel is just a walk away from all of Miami’s most sought-after restaurants and bars. The 1 Hotel is located right on the beach for those who like to spend their day listening to the sound of waves. For vacationers that prefer lounging or playing with kids by the pool, the hotel property has four pools including a trendy rooftop one with a bar and a view.

Our testers who have stayed at the 1 Hotel love its spacious, pristine rooms that may feature a bathtub, shower and balcony, as well as the hotel’s multiple on-property dining options and amenities like a spa, fully equipped gym and kids' club. Our pros like that the hotel has direct access to South Beach’s long boardwalk so you can wake up and head out for a bike ride with nothing more than your room key. Plus, it's pet friendly!

Eager to stay in South Beach without spending a small fortune? We recommend checking out the Goodtime Hotel. Though our pros haven’t tested this hotel yet, this contemporary property offers 266 colorful rooms and is just a five-minute walk away from its beach club as well as other local shops and restaurants. The hotel also features a spacious pool with two bars, a DJ booth and private cabanas for a day full of fun.

Spa treatments are also available for those who need some relaxation as well as an indoor/outdoor gym for those who can’t sit still. While rooms appear to be smaller than average, you can’t beat this hotel’s prime location or affordable price. Guests online rave about the hotel's playful décor, excellent location and high attention to detail among the property and staff.

In need of some pampering? Get ready to sit back and relax at this gorgeous Miami Beach property, where health and wellness are the focus of your stay. Not only does the hotel feature a modern fitness center with 65+ classes offered per week, but there’s a wide range of spa services to choose from, including a thermal hydrotherapy circuit, traditional Chinese medicine, anti-aging treatments and more.

“The touchless spa experience was a real standout. My circuit started with cryotherapy, moved to halotherapy and infrared, then a relaxing floating salt bath and ended with V.E.M.I. (vibroacoustic, electromagnetic and infrared therapy) and the Somadome meditation pod,” says Rachel Rothman, executive technical director at the GH Institute. “I left feeling simultaneously recharged and relaxed. Plus, the hotel is right on the water, but further down on the strip in North Beach, so it’s less hectic but still close to a lot of restaurants.” According to Rothman, over the years the hotel has maintained a lot of great classes that are included with the stay, ranging from Pilates reformer to kettlebell, rock wall, aquatics and more.

For those seeking a real taste of Miami, there’s no better area to reside than the vibrant Little Havana neighborhood. Grab an authentic Cuban coffee and stroll around while listening to live Latin music and browsing local art galleries. While our pros haven’t yet had the opportunity to stay at the Lifehouse Hotel, which is located close to Calle Ocho (Southwest Eight Street), previous hotel guests say they love the hotel's simple charm. Not only is the nightly rate affordable, but the hotel has a splendid rooftop restaurant and bar for grabbing drinks as the sun sets.

Some guests note that rooms are smaller than average, but if you prefer to spend your time out and about, you won’t be disappointed. Though the boutique hotel lacks a pool, it does feature common spaces such as a vibrant courtyard and library – just don’t expect quite as many luxurious amenities as you’ll find at other five-star properties lining Miami Beach.

If you're traveling with kids, host your next family get-together at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, which features 790 guestrooms and tons of event space. This hotel is located smack in the heart of South Beach, only steps away from the water. According to Rothman, the hotel is known for having a fantastic kids' program with amenities like a modern Kids Club, zero-entry pool, sizeable rec room and more — and it earned a Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Award.

There are also family-friendly activities and adventures guests can participate in throughout their stay, like pizza-making classes and scavenger hunts. Meanwhile, adults are welcome to enjoy the hotel’s many comforts, like relaxing at the cabanas, getting a massage at the spa or dining in one of the five on-site restaurants. Reviewers online also rave about the beautiful hotel and its fantastic location.

If you want to get a bit further away from the hustle and bustle of South Beach but still want to have access to Miami Beach for lazy days in the sun, consider staying at Soho Beach House. This exclusive five-star hotel is a favorite among testers, offering amenities such as a pool, a rooftop terrace with plunge pool, a spa, a gym and a screening room.

“Some of the rooms have wrap-around balcony terraces that overlook the beach,” says one tester. “There’s also a bathtub that you can just sink into at the end of the day.” The building itself stands out for its timeless Art Deco décor and rooms adorned with antiques and retro touches. Like other Soho House properties, this hotel is exclusive to members only, though you can apply for a more affordable “Soho Friends Membership.” Just make sure you leave your pup back at home and that you put your phone away in common areas during your stay.

For those ready to splurge on their next vacation and looking for more of a small-town feel, consider this Four Seasons Hotel nestled to the north of hectic Miami Beach and south of the upscale boutiques in Bal Harbour. This 77-room property sits along the beach and offers guests access to two heated outdoor pools as well as an adult-only pool, a spa, a fitness center and a Kids for All Seasons program to keep the little ones entertained no matter what time of year.

“The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club undoubtedly has the chicest vibe in Miami,” says one tester. “Everything feels luxurious from the moment you arrive. My personal favorites are their ocean bungalows, the Champagne Bar and the restaurants by Michael White and Thomas Keller.” In addition to fine dining and lavish touches like daytime cabanas, the property dates back to 1930 and has a history of hosting glamorous guests to the likes of Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Winston Churchill.

If you want to stay in a calmer yet still convenient location during your stay in Miami, look no further than the Mandarin Oriental. Situated on the private island community of Brickell Key, the hotel is just a quick walk or drive away from the center of Miami’s financial center, Brickell, packed with shops, restaurants and more. Gorgeous Key Biscayne, which boasts stunning, sheltered beaches, is also easily accessible, as are the waters and energy of South Beach.

The hotel itself offers waterfront views and features popular amenities such as gourmet dining, a lush spa, an infinity pool and a palm-tree-lined private beach. Whether you're on a solo business trip or are bringing the kiddos along, the Mandarin Oriental is guaranteed to be a wonderful hub for your time away. Reviewers online love the hotel's central location, city views and outstanding service.

Enjoy exceptional service and beautiful blue ocean views from your room at the St. Regis, with direct access to Miami’s northern beaches. “Located walking distance from the illustrious Bal Harbour shopping destination, this is a beautifully appointed hotel that's always in pristine shape,” says Rothman. The hotel is ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway and families alike; it offers numerous activities and excursions to keep kids entertained as well as plush amenities such as a spa, fitness center, outdoor pool and hot tub, beach access and more.

Whether you’re booking a honeymoon or a quick, romantic weekend with your partner, the Setai Miami Beach Hotel is the essence of elegance with Asian-inspired décor and hospitality. For a second, you might forget you’re in Florida. Not only is the property beautiful and serene, but it offers guests several diverse dining options at multiple restaurants, spa services, three infinity pools and a meditation pond. Best of all, it’s located right on South Beach so if you’re not too enamored with the pool you can lounge on a daybed by the beach. Several online reviewers found their stays to be exceptional, mentioning the attentive staff, excellent service and stunning, peaceful property.